Online Services Volunteer

• Providing immediate and confidential crisis support (chat and emails) using agency procedures and policies, the Robert’s Model of Crisis Intervention, and in consultation with the Contact Centre Coordinators.
• Providing information and referrals to Distress Centre programs and community organizations.
• Addressing risk factors including, but not limited to, suicide, child safety, self-harm, and domestic violence.
• Handling multiple contacts to ensure individuals are safe and that everyone is heard.
• Documenting and creating reports on all contacts.

• Must be over 18 years of age (Under 18? Volunteer with ConnecTeen instead!
• Exceptional command of communication and interpersonal skills including: active listening, empathy, and patience
• Ability to be level-headed in a crisis
• Works well with others
• Demonstrates self-awareness in areas such as: coping, stress-management and emotions
• Ability to receive developmental feedback
• Non-judgmental, accepting of diverse values and beliefs, and open-minded to callers with a variety of concerns
• Excellent computer skills
• Willing and able to follow policies and procedures

Note: Due to the nature of the Online Services Volunteer position, we ask applicants who have experienced a personal trauma/life event in the past 12 months to wait one year prior to applying. Also, a criminal record and child welfare check are to be conducted on every new volunteer with their consent at no cost to themselves.

There is an expected commitment of 24 shifts in the first 6 months, minimum of 4 shifts per month, and shifts are 5 hours in length. Shift start times are the following: 3pm, 5pm, or 5:30pm Monday to Friday; 12pm, 3pm, 5pm, or 5:30pm on weekends and statutory holidays. Volunteers set their own schedules based on availability or can correspond with the Volunteer Scheduling Coordinator. There will be occasions where, due to unforeseen circumstances, the volunteer may need to stay past the formal shift end time. Credit hours will be given in accordance with the time spent.

Our volunteers do not need prior knowledge or experience in crisis support. Distress Centre offers comprehensive training to all new volunteers in topics including, but not limited to: crisis intervention, addictions, relationships, and domestic violence. Distress Centre’s initial training is 60 hours, with opportunities for additional developmental monthly training.

Note: Alternative arrangements for training dates cannot be accommodated. Volunteers-in-training are expected to attend all sessions.

• All training and shifts take place at the agency location: #300 1010 8th Avenue SW.
• Distress Centre is wheelchair accessible
• Parking is also provided for volunteers on shift once they have begun their commitment.

• Volunteers are paired with mentors whose responsibilities include providing developmental feedback, debriefing support, etc.
• Regular feedback is also provided to the volunteer by the Contact Centre Coordinator at least once per shift
• Distress Centre invests in the volunteers and provides the support, resources, and the opportunities needed to grow and create change in the community

• Make tangible differences in others’ lives and feel community connectedness
• Development of communication and social skills to integrate into your personal/professional life
• Gain and/or enhance perspectives on self-awareness
• Obtain training and support in effectively assessing and de-escalating crisis/high stress situations
• Be a part of a supportive team and create lasting friendships
• Receive a reference letter upon completion of your first volunteer commitment (48 shifts)